Gc Deviates From Plans Code In Question

kjsoto13

howdy, great site...ok, contracting hotel and hallways must be 2hr firewall, plans calls for double layer 5/8 fire code sheetrock, sealed with joint compound, on hall side floor to lid. owners rep. or gc has eliminated 1 layer of sheetrock claiming it isn't neccessary, in this particular application, to satisfy inspector. which is contrary to my understanding of the code but......now i have no problem doing as gc has said but at same time feel that i need something in writing that releases me from the liability of this action if its found to not be code compiant. looking for reasurance here so reasure me, lol, no really is there a proper path to follow, documentation wise, that'll get me the peace of mind i seek?

finehomes

Tell the GC to get the inspector up there to tell you in person that it is ok before you do it!!!!!

woodtradesman

If that place ever catches on fire you're getting sued first

Ivinni

Tell them both to put it writing.

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Floordude

You should have all those codes, before you submit a bid on a project. It is you as a professional of your trade, that should know and understand building codes. Your not an employee, your a company and your assuming all liability!! I suggest you get the codes you need to properly do business and perform your craft as a professional, not a pee-on GC abused hack.

You need the codes to push in his face, and letting him know he is breaking your contract by not following building standards or building codes, because after all, it is your A$$ on the line.

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Justbuilding

Are you supplying labor only? Does your contract require you to build to code? How did you bid the job with one layer or two? Perhaps you are missing an RFI that clarifies the wall types and fire requirement. Get the documentation.

NC2X4

I suppose you could get an engineer to sign off on it maybe for a $100 - $300 site visit. If it meets the engineers standards they will sign off on it however if it dosent they will not sign off on it. That should help you. The vendor can only stand by the product however an engineer can stand by the install as long as they inspect the job.

Muddauber

Take the plans & specs to your state fire marshalls office and ask if they will sign off on the changes. They had to sign off on the job ( pre construction),so any fire code change will have to be approved.
If they wont sign off ,then use double layer no matter what the GC tells you.

Floordude

This was just a drive by posting. No response from the original topic starter. 1 post on the forums. I doubt he will be back.

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wireless

Except that his join date was over a year ago! Maybe he has a real slow Internet connection.

Deadhead Derek

As a code question though, there are provisions with occ. separation that allow the degradation of fire rated assemblies in sprinklered buildings based on the IBC. Could be the situation... or a cheap gc cutting back on rock costs...either way, written change order, and letter from the gc and the B.O. for the area.

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philner

Just had this happen on a govt. job! Local housing authority guy said to put 1/2" on a ceiling that I thought needed two layers of 5/8". Had him sign off that he was resposible, after all its his money. final inspection guess what now they're paying me to fix it in finished space with all painting,trim, final clean done etc...

Scott Meyer

Going to the fire/inspector to get an yea or nea is not going to help your case much.

Just do the sign off with the GC or write a letter of dissenting opinion. The dissenting opinion is by far less favorable but it is what you do to voice an opinion that your superior does not want to recognize. Accountants and lawyers do it all the time when they feel something becomes unethical that they are being asked to do.

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skyhook

Only the Architect and/or Strucural Engineer can change the plans. They would then have to be re-submitted to plan check at city hall to be re-approved. Anything not built to the approved plans falls on the GC. Cutting corners on a hotel fire corridor is not going to get approved by any means.

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kjsoto13

howdy, just wanted to "drive by" again to thank those who replied accordingly based upon their invaluable experience dealing with these matters. i don't know what us "pee-on GC abused hacks" would do with out the ability to ask those who've been down that road already. this should reach the forum some time in august '09 as i am just sending it to post in january '09, what with that slow net and all. the issues were resolved positively for both parities.

i do actually frequent the forum when enlightenment is required. it seems most issues and question have been posted and discussed before so i haven't found i necessary to post, actually i just needed confirmation regarding the stand i had already made on this matter. so again thanks folks, much appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!

macatawacab

As a professional gypsum contractor you need to Google the USG manual and they have all the assemblies shown for all circumstances. RC spacing, screw spacing, etc. this should be the Bible for installers but unless I deal with a huge company no other contractors seem to know the USG manual exists.

bwalley

Where is the job located?

If the plans call for 2 layers of 5/8" type X, neither the General Contractor, Owner or the Inspector can eliminate it.

Once the plans are approved, even if it wasn't required, the project would still need to be built as drawn, either that or get a revision.

If you don't build it as drawn get it in writing from the GC and the Inspector as well as the Fire Marshal that it isn't required, even then I would be very nervous, because if there is later a fire and a fatality, everyone involved with the project WILL be sued, even if you did everything right and don't lose the case, you will have a bunch of legal fee's.

I am surprised a public hotel is calling for just 2 hour wall in the hallways.

tfc

Send the GC a letter on your letterhead noting that what he wants is in violation of cod and asking for him to direct you in writing what he would like you to do. DO NOT proceed without written instructions.

simplejack

Check the plans, it should have a detail of the wall construction and build per specs. otherwise you'll screw up the door contractor. if the specs don't ask for the rating you KNOW you need then get a courtesy walk through with the building inspector, general and owner (if you can).

getting something in writing if it's wrong is not good enough, if something happens they all will throw you under the bus and say that you should have known better because your the expert.

sometimes the general and the inspector have an...understanding, and plans get signed off from the parking lot. and of course there is incentive to pocket the money saved from your contract, and the owner gets screwed! and business as usual, until a fire.

and guess who'll get burned (you)

simplejack

Hey! this thread was posted in October,

What happend? Did you complete the job?
Is there a rule about posting for help or advice that you do a follow up after the event or something? or am I just nosy.